Unlocked bootloaders allow for custom ROMs and the removal of unwanted carrier "bloatware". This is particularly handy for independent developers, who may wish to test apps on several different versions of Android, on one device.

I. Motorola: Locked up Tight

On the other hand, a locked bootloader can be a daunting obstacle to enthusiasts. It takes a lot of effort to reverse engineer one. Although unlocking the bootloader via exploits is legal, the difficulty factor means it is done for only a handful of the top selling phones such as Apple, Inc.'s (AAPL) iPhone. And even in these cases, the exploitation process creates security risks, which the company and unlockers must patch. All of this is less ideal than in the case where the carrier provides a secure, authorized bootloader unlock.

A reader of the site Droid Life filed a complaint with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission about the bootloader locking of Motorola phones on the network of Verizon Wireless, a joint venture between Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) and Vodafone Group Plc. (LON:VOD), and AT&T Inc. (T). The user complains to the FCC that the provisions of Verizon Wireless's government "Block C" spectrum license prohibit such actions.

In response to the complaint Verizon Wireless, the largest U.S. carrier, strongly disagrees with that sentiment. It wrote the following letter to the FCC:

In reality, Verizon and Apple are right to an extent -- greater freedom of unlocked hardware means more risk (the digital analogy of getting your drivers license) that third-party ROMs might allow malware or interfere with the fundamental network hardware, such as data transfer utilities or the phone's antenna-dependent signal strength algorithms.

However, it's also an excuse for control. Some of this control -- such as fighting pirated apps -- is at least mildly pro-developer. Other aspects of control, such as user monitoring and punishing unauthorized tethers, are more questionable, given that it can detract from a user's experience and or endanger them.

Verizon Wireless claimed via Twitter that it did not use Carrier IQ. But domain lookups looks show that Verizon Wireless owns IPs associated with Carrier IQ domain names, according to sources. Some have speculated that Verizon may have simply rebranded the app, disguising its name (which would make its above denial technically correct in literal terms).

And that's not to mention that unlocking allows Verizon to lock consumers to its network by disallowing their handsets to work on other networks -- an anti-competitive technique.

And ultimately the biggest point is that locking makes a developer unable to test their product broadly on one handset, locking out small developers from the process -- or more likely convincing them to pick a less restrictive carrier/OEM.

The decision definitely makes Verizon Wireless the carrier not to choose for those considering Android development.

Verizon is the most expensive carrier and one of the least friendly U.S. carriers when it comes to developer boot unlocking. [Image Source: Flickr/Exif]

I don't think people typically think Verizon is better at things like customer service or pricing our device selection, etc...

Most people who claim Verizon is better are typically talking about the quality of the service and availability of the service in various areas. VZW doesn't always take the crown, but at least where I live, which is a NYC suburb that is highly populated with both people and cell towers, VZW beats other carriers for service 9 out of 10 places you test.

Ha! AT&T and 3G don't belong in the same sentience without the addition of roflcopter in my area.

Check northwest PA's coverage map for AT&T. They have their fake "4G" (aka 3.5G HSPA+ network), and mostly... yeah you are seeing that, EDGE. Gotta love how they fool people with their false marketing that HSPA+ is 4G.

After AT&T purchased this former CellularOne area, they haven't done a damn thing to upgrade the networks in this area. Call quality has gone to crap, and my cousins who install Satellite dishes in the area can't rely on the network to perform their job. They stick to Verizon and so do I.

Want to see even more crap, look at the Sprint coverage.. more 2G only service... does not work for my data needs (which is cellular internet.. my ONLY non-dialup option with decent speed).

But its no wonder AT&T doesn't make any money around here. Most people who are former CellularOne moved to Verizon when their contact's expired and with good reason: being treated like crap by AT&T. Also doesn't help that everyone I know that owns an iPhone, are grandfathered in on $15 unlimited data.. wonder how long that will keep up?

I don't think people typically think Verizon is better at things like customer service or pricing our device selection, etc...

Most people who claim Verizon is better are typically talking about the quality of the service and availability of the service in various areas. VZW doesn't always take the crown, but at least where I live, which is a NYC suburb that is highly populated with both people and cell towers, VZW beats other carriers for service 9 out of 10 places you test.

I'm currently on AT&T, and I'm going to go elsewhere when my current contract runs out in August, but I will never, ever do business with Verizon again. They cheated me on a mail in rebate, extra charges for various unwanted services (the GPS program built into my phone cost me an extra $4.99/mo until I noticed it on my bill, after starting it once by accident), and they reset my contract duration after one customer service call, charging me $170 "early termination fee" when I left a month after my contract was supposed to have ended. AT&T is a bunch of greedy, power hungry old men, but Verizon is a bunch of damned thieves.